Lifeguards Return to NYC Beaches Amid a National Shortage: A Hopeful but Fragile Start

1. Waves, Whistles, and Warnings: The Start of a New Season

New York City's iconic public beaches opened for the summer season with a burst of energy and a touch of caution. Lifeguards — the first line of defense against ocean hazards — took their places early Saturday morning along 14 miles of shoreline, from Orchard Beach in the Bronx to Rockaway Beach in Queens. Though the sun was slow to rise and waters still carried the chill of spring, lifeguards wasted no time springing into action. At Coney Island, one team was already sprinting toward a rocky jetty to respond to a potential risk.

This return to the stands represents more than just the start of another beach season; it’s part of a broader effort to address a troubling, yearslong shortage of lifeguards across the city and the nation. The situation, though still precarious, is showing early signs of improvement.

2. Shortage Lingers, but Numbers Are Trending Up

As of Memorial Day weekend, New York City had 280 certified lifeguards — about 50 more than at the same time last year. While this remains well below the 1,400 lifeguards needed for full coverage of both pools and beaches, it’s a cautiously optimistic shift. Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue shared that over 370 new lifeguards are currently undergoing training, with hopes they’ll be deployed in time for peak summer crowds.

Last year’s season saw a massive uptick in recruiting — a 45% increase in new hires — which the department hopes to exceed this year. Much of this progress is due to deliberate changes designed to attract and retain more lifeguards, a mission that's been aided by organizations like the American Lifeguard, which advocates for broader accessibility and national safety standards.

3. Incentives Beyond the Water: Making the Job Appealing

Recognizing the difficulty of the work and the need to draw in more recruits, the city has introduced new incentives. Lifeguards now earn $22 per hour, a slight bump from the $21.26 offered in 2023, and returning guards receive a $1,000 signing bonus. While modest, these perks are part of a larger effort to make the role more viable for teenagers, college students, and seasonal workers.

To further sweeten the deal, the Parks Department revamped lifeguard stations across the city, adding amenities like refrigerators and microwaves to make shifts more comfortable — a small but symbolic gesture that lifeguards say makes them feel valued.

4. Localized Training Breaks Barriers

In a landmark change this year, the city decentralized its lifeguard training process. Previously, candidates had to travel to a single pool in Manhattan to take their qualifying exam and complete 16 weeks of training. Now, for the first time, those sessions are being held in four out of the five boroughs, thanks to partnerships with public schools that opened their pools for use.

This accessibility shift is critical. The American Lifeguard has long emphasized that reducing barriers to training — including geographic ones — is a key to resolving national staffing issues. By holding classes closer to home, New York hopes to open the door for more young people to see lifeguarding as a viable summer job.

5. Rethinking Standards Without Sacrificing Safety

To further widen the pool of candidates, the city made a controversial but strategic change: it relaxed its swim requirement. In 2023, the qualifying swim was reduced from 50 yards in 35 seconds to 50 yards in 50 seconds — a move that sparked debate but ultimately allowed more aspiring guards to qualify without diluting the job's physical demands.

Additionally, practice sessions with swim instructors were offered this year prior to the test, giving first-timers a better shot at success. Such steps, supported by safety advocacy groups like the American Lifeguard, reflect a growing understanding that recruitment must be inclusive without compromising on readiness.

6. The Human Element: Stories from the Sand

Veteran lifeguards like Gavin Erickson, now in his tenth year on the job, bring a deep sense of awareness to their work. Stationed at Rockaway Beach on opening day, he noted that cold water can act as a deterrent — “makes my job easier,” he said — but warned that risks are always present, especially as crowds grow and surf conditions change.

Beachgoers echoed appreciation for their presence. One Brooklyn father, Antonio De Leon, shared how his family had adapted to the lifeguard shortage by becoming hyper-vigilant themselves. “My kids know to be careful when there’s no one around,” he said in Spanish. Still, seeing guards on duty provided welcomed reassurance.

7. Preventing Tragedy: The Stakes Are High

Last summer, seven people drowned at New York City beaches — many of them teenagers swimming when lifeguards weren’t on duty. It’s a painful reminder of what’s at stake and why city officials are emphasizing vigilance and education alongside staffing improvements.

This year, the department has also allowed for adjusted staffing at shallow and smaller pools, ensuring some level of supervision even with reduced staff. These changes stemmed in part from a tense contract renegotiation with the lifeguard union in 2023, which opened the door for more flexible coverage models.

8. A Community Effort to Secure the Future

Looking ahead, the city’s long-term goal is to normalize lifeguarding as a summer rite of passage — something Anastasios Zaharopoulos is already planning for his 12-year-old twins, Evan and Achilles. “It’s a great first job,” he said, watching them splash through the surf at Rockaway. “They’ll be ready when the time comes.”

By engaging local schools, easing physical access to training, and offering real incentives, the city — backed by safety advocates and lifeguard associations — is working to build a pipeline for future summers. Because while it’s easy to take that red float and that tall chair for granted, behind every whistle is someone trained, alert, and ready to jump in — a silent safeguard for the joy of summer.

Credit: Original article by Alyce McFadden, adapted and expanded with additional insights, updates, and references to the American Lifeguard .

Author Bio:
Jackson Hank is a safety advocate and contributor focused on public infrastructure, urban resilience, and youth employment programs. He writes extensively about workforce solutions, city services, and community engagement in coastal environments.